1
|
Balog JÁ, Zvara Á, Bukovinszki V, Puskás LG, Balog A, Szebeni GJ. Comparative single-cell multiplex immunophenotyping of therapy-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus shed light on disease-specific composition of the peripheral immune system. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1376933. [PMID: 38726007 PMCID: PMC11079270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1376933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are a significant burden on the healthcare system. Understanding the complexity of the peripheral immunophenotype in SADs may facilitate the differential diagnosis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Methods Single-cell mass cytometric immunophenotyping was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls (HCs) and therapy-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Immunophenotyping was performed on 15,387,165 CD45+ live single cells from 52 participants (13 cases/group), using an antibody panel to detect 34 markers. Results Using the t-SNE (t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) algorithm, the following 17 main immune cell types were determined: CD4+/CD57- T cells, CD4+/CD57+ T cells, CD8+/CD161- T cells, CD8+/CD161+/CD28+ T cells, CD8dim T cells, CD3+/CD4-/CD8- T cells, TCRγ/δ T cells, CD4+ NKT cells, CD8+ NKT cells, classic NK cells, CD56dim/CD98dim cells, B cells, plasmablasts, monocytes, CD11cdim/CD172dim cells, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Seven of the 17 main cell types exhibited statistically significant frequencies in the investigated groups. The expression levels of the 34 markers in the main populations were compared between HCs and SADs. In summary, 59 scatter plots showed significant differences in the expression intensities between at least two groups. Next, each immune cell population was divided into subpopulations (metaclusters) using the FlowSOM (self-organizing map) algorithm. Finally, 121 metaclusters (MCs) of the 10 main immune cell populations were found to have significant differences to classify diseases. The single-cell T-cell heterogeneity represented 64MCs based on the expression of 34 markers, and the frequency of 23 MCs differed significantly between at least twoconditions. The CD3- non-T-cell compartment contained 57 MCs with 17 MCs differentiating at least two investigated groups. In summary, we are the first to demonstrate the complexity of the immunophenotype of 34 markers over 15 million single cells in HCs vs. therapy-naive patients with RA, SSc, and SLE. Disease specific population frequencies or expression patterns of peripheral immune cells provide a single-cell data resource to the scientific community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- József Á. Balog
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Core Facility, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Zvara
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Core Facility, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vivien Bukovinszki
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László G. Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Core Facility, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Balog
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor J. Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Core Facility, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Centre, Faculty of Medicine University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Astridbio Technologies Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee B, Roh JS, Jeong H, Kim Y, Lee J, Yun C, Park J, Kim DS, Lee J, So MW, Kim A, Sohn DH, Lee SG. Ginkgo biloba extract ameliorates skin fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced mouse model of systemic sclerosis. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:152-160. [PMID: 38645438 PMCID: PMC11028018 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2337761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis and obliterative vasculopathy. Few effective treatments are currently available for fibrosis in SSc, therefore, demand persists for novel therapies. Although use of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been reported to improve blood circulation and alleviate liver and lung fibrosis, its effect on skin fibrosis in SSc remains unclear. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of GBE on skin fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model of SSc was investigated. GBE significantly reduced dermal thickness and protein levels of profibrotic factors in the BLM-induced SSc mouse model. Moreover, GBE inhibited the gene expression of profibrotic factors, such as COL1A1, α-SMA, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), in fibroblasts by suppressing transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. Furthermore, GBE inhibited the transdifferentiation of adipocytes into myofibroblasts. Thus, our findings suggest that GBE is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beomgu Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Roh
- Department of Herbal Prescription, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoim Jeong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyeon Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Changun Yun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-sol Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Wook So
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Aran Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sohn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Geun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papadimitriou TI, Singh P, van Caam A, Walgreen B, Gorris MAJ, Vitters EL, van Ingen IL, Koenders MI, Smeets RL, Vonk M, de Vries JM, van der Kraan PM, van Oosterhout Y, Huynen MA, Koenen HJPM, Thurlings RM. CD7 activation regulates cytotoxicity-driven pathology in systemic sclerosis, yielding a target for selective cell depletion. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:488-498. [PMID: 38123919 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are central effector cells in cancer and infections. Their effector response is regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors. The regulation of these cells in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) is less defined. METHODS We conducted ex vivo analysis of affected skin and blood samples from 4 SSc patient cohorts (a total of 165 SSc vs 80 healthy individuals) using single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining. We further analysed the effects of costimulatory modulation in functional assays, and in a severely affected SSc patient who was treated on compassionate use with a novel anti-CD3/CD7 immunotoxin treatment. RESULTS Here, we show that SSc-affected skin contains elevated numbers of proliferating T cells, cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. These cells selectively express the costimulatory molecule CD7 in association with cytotoxic, proinflammatory and profibrotic genes, especially in recent-onset and severe disease. We demonstrate that CD7 regulates the cytolytic activity of T cells and NK cells and that selective depletion of CD7+ cells prevents cytotoxic cell-induced fibroblast contraction and inhibits their profibrotic phenotype. Finally, anti-CD3/CD7 directed depletive treatment eliminated CD7+ skin cells and stabilised disease manifestations in a severely affected SSc patient. CONCLUSION Together, the findings imply costimulatory molecules as key regulators of cytotoxicity-driven pathology in systemic autoimmune disease, yielding CD7 as a novel target for selective depletion of pathogenic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Ioannis Papadimitriou
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant Singh
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan van Caam
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark A J Gorris
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Division of Immunotherapy, Oncode Institute, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elly L Vitters
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris L van Ingen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ruben L Smeets
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Radboudumc Laboratory for Diagnostics, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martijn A Huynen
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J P M Koenen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sharma N, Chaudhary SM, Khungar N, Aulakh SK, Idris H, Singh A, Sharma K. Dietary Influences on Skin Health in Common Dermatological Disorders. Cureus 2024; 16:e55282. [PMID: 38562266 PMCID: PMC10982215 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of diet in the development of skin disorders is well-established, with nutritional deficiency often identified as a risk factor for skin diseases. Imbalances in the skin can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, excessive intake, insufficient nutrients, and hazardous ingredients. Patients frequently inquire about the impact of dietary patterns on skin health when consulting dermatologists in clinical settings. Simultaneously, the popularity of using nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and nutraceutical blends has been on the rise. It is crucial for dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers to be acquainted with evidence-based dietary interventions, distinguishing them from those that are more market-driven than truly efficacious. This review explores the modification of diet, encompassing both dietary exclusion and supplementation, as a therapeutic approach for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bullous disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. A comprehensive literature search, utilizing the PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Medscape databases, was conducted to investigate the relationship between each nutrient and various inflammatory skin diseases. The findings emphasize the significance of a well-balanced and thoughtfully planned diet in supplying adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal skin health. Additionally, this comprehensive review navigates through various dietary recommendations, offering insights into their multifaceted impacts on the immune system, gut microbiome, and skin health. The goal is to pave the way for informed and targeted dietary interventions for individuals dealing with food allergies and associated skin conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sachin M Chaudhary
- Internal Medicine, Gujarat Cancer Society (GCS) Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Niharika Khungar
- Internal Medicine, Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Science and Research, Amritsar, IND
| | - Smriti K Aulakh
- Internal Medicine, Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Science and Research, Amritsar, IND
| | - Hadeeqa Idris
- Internal Medicine, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Ajay Singh
- Internal Medicine, Sri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Kriti Sharma
- Internal Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Amritsar, IND
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sisto M, Lisi S. Immune and Non-Immune Inflammatory Cells Involved in Autoimmune Fibrosis: New Discoveries. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113801. [PMID: 37297996 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important health problem and its pathogenetic activation is still largely unknown. It can develop either spontaneously or, more frequently, as a consequence of various underlying diseases, such as chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Fibrotic tissue is always characterized by mononuclear immune cells infiltration. The cytokine profile of these cells shows clear proinflammatory and profibrotic characteristics. Furthermore, the production of inflammatory mediators by non-immune cells, in response to several stimuli, can be involved in the fibrotic process. It is now established that defects in the abilities of non-immune cells to mediate immune regulation may be involved in the pathogenicity of a series of inflammatory diseases. The convergence of several, not yet well identified, factors results in the aberrant activation of non-immune cells, such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, that, by producing pro-inflammatory molecules, exacerbate the inflammatory condition leading to the excessive and chaotic secretion of extracellular matrix proteins. However, the precise cellular mechanisms involved in this process have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we explore the latest discoveries on the mechanisms that initiate and perpetuate the vicious circle of abnormal communications between immune and non-immune cells, responsible for fibrotic evolution of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molecular Mechanisms Behind the Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Systemic Sclerosis. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020285. [PMID: 36829561 PMCID: PMC9953616 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems. It is characterized by immunological deregulation, functional and structural abnormalities of small blood vessels, and fibrosis of the skin, and, in some cases, internal organs. Fibrosis has a devastating impact on a patient's life and lung fibrosis is associated with high morbimortality. Several immune populations contribute to the progression of SSc, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) have been identified as crucial mediators of fibrosis. Research on murine models of lung and skin fibrosis has shown that pDCs are essential in the development of fibrosis, and that removing pDCs improves fibrosis. pDCs are a subset of dendritic cells (DCs) that are specialized in anti-viral responses and are also involved in autoimmune diseases, such as SSc, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis, mostly due to their capacity to produce type I interferon (IFN). A type I IFN signature and high levels of CXCL4, both derived from pDCs, have been associated with poor prognosis in patients with SSc and are correlated with fibrosis. This review will examine the recent research on the molecular mechanisms through which pDCs impact SSc.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun C, Cai D, Chen SY. ADAR1 promotes systemic sclerosis via modulating classic macrophage activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1051254. [PMID: 36532023 PMCID: PMC9751044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1051254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a multisystem autoimmune disorder disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the skin and other internal organs. However, mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response that drives the development of SSc remain largely unknown. Methods ADAR1 heterozygous knockout (AD1+/-) mice and myeloid-specific ADAR1 knockout mice were used to determine the function of ADAR1 in SSc. Histopathological analyses and western blot confirmed the role of ADAR1 in bleomycin-induced increased skin and lung fibrosis. Results In this study, we discover that adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1), a deaminase converting adenosine to inosine (i.e., RNA editing) in RNA, is abundantly expressed in macrophages in the early stage of bleomycin-induced SSc. Importantly, ADAR1 is essential for SSc formation and indispensable for classical macrophage activation because ADAR1 deficiency in macrophages significantly ameliorates skin and lung sclerosis and inhibits the expression of inflammation mediator inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β in macrophages. Mechanistically, deletion of ADAR1 blocks macrophage activation through diminishing NF-κB signaling. Discussion Our studies reveal that ADAR1 promotes macrophage activation in the onset of SSc. Thus, targeting ADAR1 could be a potential novel therapeutic strategy for treating sclerosis formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dunpeng Cai
- Departments of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Departments of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Frontiers of Targeted Therapy and Predictors of Treatment Response in Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123053. [PMID: 36551809 PMCID: PMC9775475 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is one of the most challenging rheumatic diseases, characterized by vasculopathy, dysregulation of the immune response, and progressive tissue fibrosis affecting the skin, lungs, heart, digestive tract, and kidneys [...].
Collapse
|
9
|
Tanner L, Bergwik J, Single AB, Bhongir RKV, Erjefält JS, Egesten A. Zoledronic Acid Targeting of the Mevalonate Pathway Causes Reduced Cell Recruitment and Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:899469. [PMID: 35721132 PMCID: PMC9201219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.899469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease causing irreparable scarring of lung tissue, with most patients succumbing rapidly after diagnosis. The mevalonate pathway, which is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and motility, is targeted by the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA). The aim of this study was to assess the antifibrotic effects of ZA and to elucidate the mechanisms by which potential IPF treatment occurs. Methods: A series of in vitro and in vivo models were employed to identify the therapeutic potential of ZA in treating IPF. In vitro transwell assays were used to assess the ability of ZA to reduce fibrotic-related immune cell recruitment. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) was screened as a potential antifibrotic target using a bleomycin mouse model. FDPS-targeting siRNA and ZA were administered to mice following the onset of experimentally-induced lung fibrosis. Downstream analyses were conducted on murine lung tissues and lung fluids including 23-plex cytokine array, flow cytometry, histology, Western blotting, immunofluorescent staining, and PCR analysis. Results:In vitro administration of ZA reduced myofibroblast transition and blocked NF-κB signaling in macrophages leading to impaired immune cell recruitment in a transwell assay. FDPS-targeting siRNA administration significantly attenuated profibrotic cytokine production and lung damage in a murine lung fibrosis model. Furthermore, ZA treatment of mice with bleomycin-induced lung damage displayed decreased cytokine levels in the BALF, plasma, and lung tissue, resulting in less histologically visible fibrotic scarring. Bleomycin-induced upregulation of the ZA target, FDPS, was reduced in lung tissue and fibroblasts upon ZA treatment. Confirmatory increases in FDPS immunoreactivity was seen in human IPF resected lung samples compared to control tissue indicating potential translational value of the approach. Additionally, ZA polarized macrophages towards a less profibrotic phenotype contributing to decreased IPF pathogenesis. Conclusion: This study highlights ZA as an expedient and efficacious treatment option against IPF in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Tanner
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jesper Bergwik
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrew B Single
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ravi K V Bhongir
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas S Erjefält
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arne Egesten
- Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|